Tonight was the world television premier of Red Dust, a court room drama about the most extraordinary court ever: South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The story concerns a successful politician (Chiwetel Ejiofor) who seeks to oppose the amnesty of the policeman who once tortured him. His lawyer is a South African (Hilary Swank) who is persuaded to return to from the US by a white idealistic lefty lawyer (Marius Weyers). The performances and the direction are flawless. The photography is stunning.
It’s the story itself – adapted by Troy Kennedy Martin (Edge of Darkness) – that makes the film so gripping, a story from a country that chose to reopen the wounds of its terrible past. It is impossible to say anything more – you must watch the film itself.
If you’re not convinced, the TRC’s Archbishop Tutu said “I can assure you that you are going to find it a deeply moving film. I was amazed how authentically it captures the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, that body in South Africa that said to all of us in the world that it is possible for enemies to become friends, that it is possible for people who are different in culture, faith and all kinds of ways to live as one community.” So watch it.
It’s all very well saying, “So watch it,” but I’ve missed it! In future, can you please post your reviews well in advance of the broadcast dates.
It’s not just me, it’s Desmond Tutu too. Fortunately for you, the good people who plan these things are putting a DVD out tomorrow.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0009M9FFA/qid=1120982140/sr=8-4/ref=pd_ka_4/202-1974809-4351032
It’s not just me, it’s Desmond Tutu too. Fortunately for you, the good people who plan these things are putting a DVD out tomorrow.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0009M9FFA/qid=1120982140/sr=8-4/ref=pd_ka_4/202-1974809-4351032
Okay, to avoid complaints, here’s what I plan to watch this week:
Tuesday, 9.00pm, Five. CSI, Law & Order. Tarantino directed finale to CSI’s fifth season followed by the opener of a new series of the original (and best) Law & Order. 3 hours of pure American procedural goodness.
Wednesday 11.30pm. BBC One. The Shootist. Wayne’s last film with Jimmy Stewart and Lauren Bacall. Recommended by a trustworthy colleague and who can argue with that cast?
Thursday 10.00pm. Five. House. Hugh Laurie’s first US TV series, in which he apparently bursts into “What Ho!” Wooster mode. Do you dare risk missing that?
Firday 11.00pm. ITV3. Framed. Don’t know if I’ll actually get to watch this, but with double Timothy cast that includes Dalton and West, as well as Penelope Cruz and David Morrissey, it’s got to be worth making an effort.
Okay, to avoid complaints, here’s what I plan to watch this week:
Tuesday, 9.00pm, Five. CSI, Law & Order. Tarantino directed finale to CSI’s fifth season followed by the opener of a new series of the original (and best) Law & Order. 3 hours of pure American procedural goodness.
Wednesday 11.30pm. BBC One. The Shootist. Wayne’s last film with Jimmy Stewart and Lauren Bacall. Recommended by a trustworthy colleague and who can argue with that cast?
Thursday 10.00pm. Five. House. Hugh Laurie’s first US TV series, in which he apparently bursts into “What Ho!” Wooster mode. Do you dare risk missing that?
Firday 11.00pm. ITV3. Framed. Don’t know if I’ll actually get to watch this, but with double Timothy cast that includes Dalton and West, as well as Penelope Cruz and David Morrissey, it’s got to be worth making an effort.